Exhibition Preview and Premiere of If this is the last thing I say ? at Castlefield Gallery

Sara Jaspan, Exhibitions Editor
Exhibition Preview and premiere of If this is the last thing I say ?, Ruth Barker, part of Wonder Women 2018, at Castlefield Gallery Manchester
Ruth Barker

Exhibition Preview and premiere of If this is the last thing I say ? at Castlefield Gallery, Castlefield 8 March 2018 Entrance is free

Ruth Barker is an artist and mother, fearful of becoming voiceless. Not because she suffers from any physical condition or phobia of talking (‘selective mutism’), but as a result of her experience of traumatic childbirth, and what she describes as the ‘rapidly changing and brutal politics’ of the present. Motherhood, illness, physical vulnerability and the economic conditions of contemporary Britain are all rapidly coalescing to render her publicly mute. Indeed, many women could perhaps relate to such a fear, as levels of gender equality within society have, by some measures, worsened over recent years.

To coincide with the launch of a new joint exhibition between Barker and fellow artist Hannah Leighton-Boyce at Castlefield Gallery, and as part of Wonder Women 2018, Barker will premiere her latest performance; If this if the last thing I say? – an assemblage of spoken word and sound, which draws upon these experiences. Described as being in equal parts lament, commentary, and logistical nightmare.

As with much of Barker’s work, If this if the last thing I say? will manifest as an intense and potent mix of autobiography, textual research and gut response; using the hypnotic power of the voice to immerse the audience within a meditative yet distracted atmosphere. References to ancient mythology, gods, goddesses and humanity’s oldest stories will interweave threads of personal trauma and everyday experience. While Barker’s own breath and infant’s babble will off-set a sonic meditation inspired by the experimental composer, electronic music pioneer and founder of ‘Deep Listening’, Pauline Oliveros, performed and recorded by children from Clarendon Road Primary School, in Eccles (Salford).

If this if the last thing I say? looks set to provide an urgent reminder of the vital importance of one’s voice, of being heard, and of having the freedom to express. A set of conditions that should never be taken for granted, as the event’s place within this year’s Wonder Women programme reminds us.

The event falls on International Women’s Day and will coincide with the preview of Ruth Barker & Hannah Leighton-Boyce.

Exhibition Preview and premiere of If this is the last thing I say ? at Castlefield Gallery, Castlefield 8 March 2018 Entrance is free

What's on at Castlefield Gallery

Where to go near Exhibition Preview and Premiere of If this is the last thing I say ? at Castlefield Gallery

Deansgate
Music venue
Rebellion

Live music and 4am club night venue Rebellion provides a rock heavy alternative with smatterings of bass, across from Deansgate Locks.

Castlefield
Restaurant
The Deansgate

The Deansgate is located in the heart of Manchester. A traditional pub with homemade food and real ales, this is truly one of the greatest watering holes in Manchester.

Deansgate
Bar or Pub
Cloud 23

Manchester’s Cloud 23, the cocktail bar siting proud on the 23rd floor of the Beetham Tower, boasts unparalleled views across the city.

Castlefield
Bar or Pub
Atlas Bar

Situated in the railway arches of Deansgate, Atlas is an elegant, quality bar specialising in nearly 600 gins from around the world.

Manchester
Bar or Pub
The Briton’s Protection

Standing on the corner of a junction opposite The Bridgewater Hall, The Briton’s Protection is Manchester’s oldest pub. It has occupied the same spot since 1795, going under the equally patriotic name The Ancient Britain.

Manchester
Restaurant
Indian Tiffin Room, Manchester

Indian Tiffin Room is a restaurant specialising in Indian street food, with branches in Cheadle and Manchester. This is the information for the Manchester venue.

The Life Centre North
City Centre
Event venue
The Life Centre North

The Life Centre, just off Deansgate in Manchester, is a place which offers yoga and Pilates classes for people of all abilities. 

What's on: Exhibitions

Culture Guides